AGAINST ALL ODDS

dn't anticipated. What had started as a hasty agreement to maintain appearances was evolving i

ealities began to blur, and with each passing day,

l, quiet moments-the unguarded conversations over breakfast, the shared glances during meetings

erlooking the gardens, Luke surprised he

on the horizon. "She loved watching the sun set. She said it reminded her th

lnerability in his voice. "She sound

"Losing her was the hardest t

n his arm. "I'm sorry. I can't im

used to people offering genuine comfort-it was always condolences and platitude

r, was the first to notice th

afternoon, leaning against the kitchen cou

e're just trying to mak

d I suppose that look Luke gave you

am asked, feig

falling for her but don't know h

shed. "You're im

"Just be careful, Sam. Feelings

, but Jasper's wor

e Ashford Foundation. It was one of the biggest events of

ure-perfect socialite. But as she stood by Luke's side, greeting guests a

uke whispered as they m

eplied, her s

st hers. "You belong here, Sam. Don't

d, and for a moment, she forg

u," she s

rs, and in that moment, th

nd played a slow waltz, Luke

" he asked, a playful s

melted her resistance. "I suppose I can

on between them shifted. What had once been sti

remembering their awkward first

cher," Luke repli

rt skippe

re appeared-Clara. She had been invited as a gesture

music, her expression guarded. "Can we tal

. "Excuse me," he said to Sam, befo

twisting. She couldn't hear their conversati

ed, his expressi

okay?" Sam as

pologize," Luke said, h

unsure how

uke in the library, nur

he asked, steppi

sion softening when he saw

own across from him. "Do

ough his hair. "Clara asked if

htened. "And wh

no," Luke

inked.

, meeting her gaze. "Too much has happene

lowly, her h

ice softer, "I think I've found s

is face, trying to gauge his meanin

to his feet. He gave her a small, en

ime, her emotions a whirlw